ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany field hockey program and head coach Phil Sykes have announced a class of five recruits ahead of the 2024 season.

“Our coaching staff is very excited for the year’s team,” said Sykes. “We return a very experienced and hungry group. Our newcomers should add a lot in many different areas. The potential of this team is very high and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish.”

A strong class of newcomers, the incoming class joins a program that competed in the America East championship for the third consecutive season in 2023. With three international student-athletes hailing from the Netherlands, Sykes adds two domestic student-athletes to UAlbany - a local graduate transfer who previously competed with ADK Field Hockey and a freshman from Pennsylvania.

These five newcomers join Nina Faupel, a midyear transfer from Indiana University. The goalie who calls Chelsea, Michigan her hometown will begin her junior year in August. Click here for her newcomer announcement from February.

Eva Jenniskens

M | 5-6 | Naarden, Netherlands | Gooische Hockey Club

Quick Facts: Playing field hockey since the age of five, Jenniskens has played on the national level since seven years of age. She always played at the highest level as a midfielder. Jenniskens also played tennis and did judo in high school.

Sykes on Jenniskens: “Eva is a very intelligent player with a mature hockey brain. She is always thinking two or three steps ahead of the play. Eva will add a lot to our midfield with her passing and playmaking.”

Eileen King

M/D | 5-3 | Niskayuna, N.Y. | ADK Field Hockey | Niskayuna High School | University of Vermont

Quick Facts: A graduate student transfer from Vermont, King was a captain who started all 18 games during both her sophomore and junior seasons. Before heading to UVM, she was a First Team All-New York State selection in high school. Competing in the Junior Olympics in 2018, she was a three-time Suburban Council selection - two-time First Team (2018, 19) with a Second Team honor in 2017.

Sykes on King: “Eileen is a local girl who has played for our ADK club team since she was about 12 years old. She is a super nice person who is very hard-working and a great teammate. She will play in several areas on the field and will add a lot to the team.”

Lotje Ligthart

M | 5-5 | Rotterdam, Netherlands | Victoria Hockey Club | Montessori Lyceum Rotterdam

Quick Facts: Throughout her career, Ligthart has played at the highest level of youth field hockey in the Netherlands. Currently one of the go-to players on the Victoria U16-1 team, she is frequently asked to practice and play with the U18-1 team. During the 2022-23 season, Ligthart led her team to the semifinals of the U16 National Outdoor Championships. That same team made it to the sweet sixteen round during the 2023-24 season. During the 2020-21 season, she was a member of the Dutch youth pipeline national teams and was selected to the regional U14/U15 teams.

Sykes on Ligthart: “Lotje comes from one of the top club teams in Holland. She has a lot of experience winning and that mentality will help us immediately. In the midfield, she is a clever player who sees the field well. Her dribbling skills and creativity will make a strong impact.”

Ellie Myers

F/M | 5-4 | Denver, Pa. | XCalibur | Cocalico High School

Quick Facts: An All-Pennsylvania State Honorable Mention in 2023, Myers closed out her high school career as the Cocalico all-time leading scorer. She was a two-time honoree by the L-L League - First Team All-Star and an All-Team selection. A two-sport athlete with lacrosse in the spring, Myers was an Academic All-Star.

Sykes on Myers: “The second UAlbany player from Cocalico High School following Liza Morgan, Ellie is a tough player who keeps it very simple on the field. In the attacking circle, she has a knack to finish. She will add a great deal to our attack.”

Tessa Overgoor

M/F | 5-6 | Zoetermeer, Netherlands | Mixed Hockey Club Zoetermeer | Erasmus College 

Quick Facts: A three-time participant in the Dutch National Team Showcase, Overgoor was a member of the 2023-24 conference champion team. A long-time field hockey player, she consistently played with teams one to two age levels ahead of her own.

Sykes on Overgoor: “Tessa is a very athletic and aggressive player. She plays with a hunger that is infectious. Her energy and highly competitive spirit will inspire others and add a great deal to the team.”

For more information on the University at Albany field hockey team, follow the squad's official social media accounts shown below.
Twitter - @ualbanyfh
Instagram - @ualbanyfh
Facebook – facebook.com/UAlbanyFH